Caldas

Associação Desportiva de Caldas, commonly known as Caldas, is a Portuguese football club based in Caldas da Rainha, a city in western Portugal. The club was founded on 15 May 1916, making it one of the oldest football clubs in Portugal. Caldas is known for its white and blue striped uniforms, which have become a symbol of the club's identity.

Caldas plays its home matches at Campo da Mata, a stadium with a seating capacity of 12,000. Despite its relatively small size, the stadium is known for its passionate and dedicated fans, who are known as "Caldenses". The club's mascot is a swan, a nod to the city's famous thermal waters and its association with Queen Leonor, who is often depicted with a swan.

Throughout its history, Caldas has competed in various divisions of Portuguese football. The club has spent most of its history in the lower tiers of Portuguese football, but it has had periods of success. In the 2001-2002 season, Caldas achieved its highest ever league finish, placing 4th in the Segunda Divisão, the third tier of Portuguese football.

Caldas is perhaps best known for its remarkable run in the 2017-2018 Taça de Portugal, the premier knockout tournament in Portuguese football. Despite being a third division team at the time, Caldas reached the semi-finals of the tournament, defeating several higher-ranked teams along the way. This run included a dramatic penalty shootout victory over top-tier side Aves in the quarter-finals. Although Caldas was ultimately defeated by Sporting CP in the semi-finals, the club's performance in the tournament was widely praised and is considered one of the greatest achievements in its history.

Off the field, Caldas is known for its commitment to youth development. The club operates a successful youth academy, which has produced several players who have gone on to have professional careers in Portugal and abroad. Caldas also has a strong community presence, with numerous initiatives aimed at promoting football and physical activity in the local area.

Despite its ups and downs, Caldas remains a beloved institution in Caldas da Rainha and a proud representative of its community. The club's motto, "Unidos Venceremos" ("United We Will Win"), reflects its spirit of unity and determination, as well as its commitment to the values of teamwork and perseverance. Through its performances on the pitch and its work in the community, Caldas continues to make a significant contribution to Portuguese football.